Winners of Northamptonshire short story competition receive prizes at Althorp Literary Festival

The competition, organised by Northamptonshire County Council, was aimed at pupils in Years Five and Six who were invited them to write a story of between 500 and 1,000 words about any topic they chose.

The competition was held as part of the county council’s Race To The Top strategy to raise educational standards and outcomes for young people across the county.

More than 300 stories were submitted for the competition.

The first prize winner was Oliver Scola from Great Doddington Primary School for his story called Endangered Species. He was awarded his prize during a ceremony at the Althorp Literary Festival.

The second prize went to Sophie Giddens from Caroline Chisholm School and the third prize winner was Harvey Willock-Bruce from Abington Vale Primary School.

Runner-up prizes went to Aston Chapman from Little Stanion Primary School and Anisha Ghelani from Great Doddington Primary School.

County council chairman Councillor Jim Harker said: “We were thoroughly impressed with all of the entries we received, which showcased some fantastic writing skills.

“Our Race To The Top strategy is all about encouraging and inspiring children to aim high and this competition clearly captured their imagination.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all of the schools and pupils who took part for making it such a success.

“I would also like to thank very much indeed Lord Spencer for allowing us the use of the beautiful portrait gallery at Althorp for the event and for his much appreciated support for the Race to the Top project.”